Dynamics of fundamentalism and its impact on global security: The case of Al Qaeda (1989 – 2014).

Abstract

The research analyses Islam as a religion; what it really is and what it stands for and the dynamics of fundamentalism and the impact of Al Qaeda activities on international security. Al Qaeda and its affiliate have been designated terrorist organisations by the UN, EU and most Western countries. The research was guided by the following questions in the discourse on fundamentalism, does Islam support fundamentalism? Who is the real terrorist between Al Qaeda and the US and its allies? The methodology used for this research was a triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative methods which included key informant interviews and documentary search. The research established that, Bin laden the then leader of Al Qaeda though dead, his legacy still inspires the rank and file of the organisation. However with the persistent pressure on the remaining leadership which has kept them on the run, the effectiveness of the organisation is beginning to be questioned. This study also brought out that some of the major causes of fundamentalism are lack of development in Arab states, the US foreign policy and the support given to the Zionist state of Israel at the expense of Palestine. Implications of Al Qaeda‟s activities on international peace and security have been mainly global insecurity as no state across the globe is safe from Al Qaeda attacks as it proved through the 9/11 attacks on the US and the strain on the economies as countries enhance their security. The major conclusions coming out of research are that the different interpretation of the Koran was a major cause of fundamentalism and that the objectives of Islam are the same as those of fundamentalism. The research recommended finding common ground between the West and Muslims in order to solve the antagonism instead of resorting to war.